In the Long Run

The invitation to the women’s “Spa Night” promised a night of relaxation and stress relief. I thought my friend Helen could use some “me time”, so I asked her to go with me to the activity. She had some reservations.

“Oh, I’m kind of a homebody,” she protested. “After work I like to change into my grubbies, and just kick back and watch TV by myself.”

“Come on! It will be fun!” I coaxed. “We’re going to be pampered, with foot massages and stuff like that. And listen, there will be a chocolate fountain! What woman can resist??”

Helen was still hesitant, but reluctantly agreed.

On the way to Spa Night, Helen voiced more of her concerns. “How many people will be there? Will it be crowded?” My friend feels a bit claustrophobic when in large groups of people in small rooms.

“I doubt there will be more than 15 or so women there,” I cheerfully reassured her. “And we will be dividing into small groups for different activities.”

As we walked into Spa Night, I knew we were in trouble. The odorous candles burning produced a powerful scent even in my estimation, and Helen has a near allergic sensitivity to strong perfumes and scents. She gasped a little, and her eyes got really big. “Are you OK?” I asked nervously. “Uhm…I …uhh…think, uhh, it will be all right.” Helen smiled wanly, but I could tell she was already overwhelmed.

Spa Night was very popular. Soon there were nearly 25 enthusiastic ladies pressed together in our hostess’s cozy living room, chatting noisily, and squeezing by to warmly greet each other. Helen and I stood on the outskirts of the group, and I could see in her face the panic welling up inside. She looked faint, and a bit nauseated.

I hoped that the division into small groups would provide her some comfort and relief, but she didn’t make it that far. “I can’t do this!” she whispered. I had already reached the same conclusion about her, and steered her around the crowd and out the front door without anyone even really noticing our exit.

In the car on the way home, Helen apologized profusely for making us leave, and I apologized in return for causing her stress rather than relieving it. “I really thought it would be a fun evening for us,” I lamented.

I returned to the Spa Night after taking Helen home. I had missed the chocolate facials, and the hand softening procedure, but that did not bother me much. The entertaining Wii Fit hula hoop game was delightful, and made me laugh and play like a little girl. The gentle foot massage with soothing cream was leisurely and pleasantly relaxing. For me, Spa Night delivered as promised.

I wish Helen could have stayed long enough to enjoy the evening’s culmination--the chocolate fountain. I just know that if she had been able to dip strawberries in that rich, decadent chocolate, and then delicately nibble on them, her tension and stress would have been gone. After all, what woman can resist a chocolate fountain?!

Posted by Cyppy at 3:48 PM